The Star-News

Spartan boys lacrosse: nowhere but up

Doug Murphy is entering his 10th year of coaching boys lacrosse in the Metro Conference and his fourth in two stints at Chula Vista High School. He is known as someone who tells it like it is.

"We could have done a whole lot better last year but with 15 guys not making grades, well ...," said Murphy, his voice trailing away to let the listener gather their own conclusions. "We started the season with 40 guys and finished with 13."

The Spartans finished 2-18 overall, 0-10 in league play. "We are the defending last place team in Metro," Murphy said, this time smiling.

Chula Vista, despite starting the season with a numbers drop (23 student-athletes), is looking for better fortunes this season. "Our goal is to win six games and see what happens then," Murphy said.

The Spartans already have one victory this season in three games after defeating visiting Lincoln, 17-1, last Friday. Kevin Mederos led the attack with five goals and four assists while Solomon Gil tacked on four goals and four assists, Manuel Gutierrez had three goals and one assist, Edwin Ortiz had three goals and Andrew Klistoff contributed one goal and three assists. Tyler Krestik was credited with 15 goalie saves.

Chula Vista led most of the way in Tuesday night's game at Monte Vista before losing 9-7. Gil led the visitors with four goals while Ortiz added a goal and two assists.

Chula Vista hosts Monte Vista in a rematch on Thursday, March 25, at 4 p.m.